WAUKESHA, Wis. – A quick response proved to be the difference for the Carroll University men's soccer team Sunday afternoon as the Pioneers earned a 2-1 victory over St. Norbert at Schneider Stadium. Carroll improved to 2-3 on the season behind a two-goal performance from Edin Hajric.
The Pioneers struck first midway through the opening half when Sheridan Joseph found Edin Hajric in the 17th minute. Hajric finished the opportunity for his second goal of the season, giving Carroll a 1-0 advantage. The tally capped a strong opening 45 minutes in which the Pioneers controlled possession and generated three corner kicks while limiting St. Norbert to just two shots on goal.
Carroll carried the one-goal lead into halftime, but the Green Knights found an equalizer in the 65th minute when Hayden Dunn scored off an assist from Everett Saeger. The match was tied for only 83 seconds before the Pioneers answered. Following a restart, Iskander Sharipov connected with Hajric, who buried his second goal of the afternoon in the 67th minute to restore Carroll's lead at 2-1.
The Pioneers were forced to battle through the final portion of the contest after a red card left Carroll down a player in the 68th minute. Despite the disadvantage, the Carroll defense remained organized and allowed just one shot on target over the final 22 minutes. Goalkeeper Angel Escamilla came through with a key save in the 86th minute to preserve the lead and secure his second victory of the season.
Hajric led the offense with four shots, including three on target and both Pioneer goals. Carroll finished with 11 total shots and seven shots on goal while holding a 4-0 edge in corner kicks. Escamilla made three saves as the Pioneers earned their second home victory of the year.
The win gives Carroll positive momentum heading into its next stretch of competition after defending home turf against a determined St. Norbert squad. Their next opportunity comes on Wednesday as they host Loras in another nonconference matchup at 5pm.
